Bill Tieleman is one of BC's best known communicators, political commentators and strategists.
Bill writes a politics column Tuesdays in 24 Hours newspaper and The Tyee online magazine.
Bill has been Communications Director in the B.C. Premier's Office and at the BC Federation of Labour.
Bill owns West Star Communications, a consulting firm providing strategy and communication services for labour, business, non-profits and government.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

BASI-VIRKMartyn Brown, Premier Gordon Campbell's Chief of Staff, told B.C. Supreme Court today that he was unaware B.C. Rail had operating profits from 1977 to 2000 before it was sold by the provincial government in 2003.Brown also denied defence allegations that "the fix was in" to sell B.C. Rail after the B.C. Liberals were elected in 2001.Brown came under heavy pressure in cross examination by Kevin McCullough, defence lawyer for Bob Virk - one of three former government aides facing corruption charges related to the 2003 sale of B.C. Rail for $1 billion to CN Rail."Are you aware that B.C. Rail had operating profits from 1977 to 2000?" McCullough asked Brown in a tense exchange."No, I was not aware. I'm aware of the problems they were having.....My understanding was they were saddled with debts, saddled with costs."McCullough then made a strong allegation: "I'm suggesting the fix was in, B.C. Rail was to be sold,"

Brown replied vigorously: "I would emphatically to my knowledge deny that." McCullough: "You told Mr. Virk that CN was getting B.C. Rail."Brown: "No - wrong - incorrect."McCullough: "You told Mr. Virk that the appointments [to the board] to B.C. Rail were Liberal appointments, that they were going to make it happen."Brown: "Baloney! That's not what happened."McCullough: "Was there a decision communicated by Gordon Campbell to sell off the assets of B.C. Rail within five years of being elected?"Brown: "That's preposterous!....That is not at all what I believe to be the case."McCullough: "Five years - that was the plan - to sell all the assets of B.C. Rail."Associate Chief Justice Anne MacKenzie intervened: "You asked the question - the witness denied it."Brown: "Denied my knowledge of it, your honour."MacKenzie: "Thanks for the correction."In response to questions about the role of then-B.C. Rail board chair John McLernon, Brown's memor was tested."I'm not sure when Mr. McLernon was appointed," he replied.Then McCullough made another startling allegation."On or about September 19, 2003 did you task Mr. Virk to go forward to the media to try and prevent them from running a story that CN [Rail] would be a presenter at a CIBC World Markets conference?"CIBC World Markets was handling the sale of B.C. Rail for the provincial government at that time - CN Rail was the successful bidder. The defence argues that CN was always going to win the bid and that their clients role was to make it appear an honest competitive bidding contest took place.Brown responded to McCullough's allegation: "I may have but I don't remember that."McCullough: "What reason would you have to do that?"Brown: I can't speculate on the reason because I can't recall."McCullough continued: "Do you know where the [B.C. Rail sale] Fairness Advisor - Charles River Associates - are located?Brown: "No - I'd presumed they were B.C.-based."McCullough: "Would it surprise you to know they were based in Boston?"Brown: "No.....they were highly recommended by Chris Trumpy [former B.C. deputy finance minister] and others.Virk and co-accused David Basi face breach of trust and fraud charges for allegedly providing confidential government information about B.C. Rail to lobbyists representing a bidder in exchange for money and benefits. Aneal Basi faces money laundering charges.The trial continues Thursday afternoon - check back here for more updates..

It's hard to believe Gordo's right hand man wasn't aware of the financial state of BC Rail. One of the few things he remembered it seems.Gordo sure can pick em, a close adviser doesn't seem to know much and for most everything else, he forgot.

Martyn Brown is unaware or can't recall conversations he has had because he has a button in his head that he presses to delete selective portions of his memory and he has used that button frequently in the past.

Fantastic! Brown was wilting, and this is the first of many questions he will have to answer. His answer, "I don't recall", will run out of steam. The truth will be pryed out. Taking gordo the impaler and his gang with him. One of the rats will spill his guts, lets hope it will be within our lifetime. Continued great coverage Bill! Unlike the NW gang. To them, nothing is happeneing... yet.

Leyne writes an apologetic reading of the 'last' BC Rail annual report [.PDF / 39 pages] - we'll have to wait for a real reporter (like The Tyee's Will McMartin) to get a comprehensive analysis of BC Rail's dearth and death.

-----Angus Reid has a new poll out today - not good news for Campbell and company.

Across British Columbia, 46 per cent of decided voters (-1 since April) say they would support the New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate in their constituency if a provincial election were held tomorrow.

The governing BC Liberals are second with 26 per cent (-3), followed by the Green Party with 14 per cent (unchanged), and the BC Conservatives Party with eight per cent (+3).

-----The Vancouver Sun's official naysayer has a few words on recall and the nuts-&-bolts therein.

I suspect your interlocutor (let's call her Anon 4:37) is a little confused because she hasn't got a clue who Frank Luntz actually is or why a reference to his kind of 'education' would be entirely apt given the nature of Brown's "performance".

Far from being 'convoluted', your comment cuts to the heart of the matter...

"I suspect your interlocutor (let's call her Anon 4:37) is a little confused because she hasn't got a clue who Frank Luntz actually is or why a reference to his kind of 'education' would be entirely apt given the nature of Brown's "performance"."

Actually has nothing to do with the presentation of that particular witness. Seems to be more entertainment value for a commentator than anything directtly to do with the progress of the case.

Clearly, you do not think that a non-stop string of non-denial denials from Mr. Brown means anything.

In contrast, I do.

We will see how this plays out later, particularly as it pertains to the calling of witnesses by the defense based on, for example, the premise that statements from other individuals will be needed to clarify Mr. Brown's decidedly muddy statements.

Clearly, you do not think that a non-stop string of non-denial denials from Mr. Brown means anything."

Unless it is specifically tied to evidence clearly shown to Mr. Brown during another cross examination, it does not.

"In contrast, I do."

One person's observation, but oneperson's observation does not move the outcome of the case unless thatperson is cross examining Mr. Brown

"We will see how this plays out later, particularly as it pertains to the calling of witnesses by the defense based on, for example, the premise that statements from other individuals will be needed to clarify Mr. Brown's decidedly muddy statements."

Exactly my point, but that may not be nessesarily the outcome since Mr. Brown is not the direct subject of the case, only an alleged participant in the chain of events involving the incidentsleading to the case in front of the court.

one down seven to go and maybe when that is achieved,we could really get to the truth of BC rail,hear that NDP,we want a full inquiry from the top down,courts rcmp and government,or we will recall you too!!and all the other crap this government did get ready to tear up illegal contracts after all scambell ripped up legal negotiated contracts.start wearing diapers you crooked bastards,and start recalling your memories all of you pukes that are about to take the stand a lot of people are watching now, msm whats taking you.

Bill Tieleman and Senator Larry Campbell, former Vancouver mayor

Jim Sinclair, Cindy Oliver, Ken Georgetti and Bill Tieleman

Bill Tieleman's coverage of the Basi-Virk/BC Legislature Raid Case praised by other journalists:

"This outstanding piece of journalism, in The Tyee, is the work of a journalist who has been deeply involved with this issue from the start and this article should be passed on as far and wide as possible."

"Bill Tieleman from 24 hours . . . . If you want to know about this trial and about this case, you have to read his blog – I mean, that’s just all there is to it – it’s required reading if you want to understand the BC Legislature Raid situation."

- Mike Smyth, columnist, The Province

"The Basi-Virk case....you’ve probably sat through more of these hearings and gone through more of the files and written about it than any other journalist in the province."

- Bill Good, host, The Bill Good Show, CKNW/Corus Radio Network

"Tieleman ...has done a first-rate job covering the trial."

- Paul Willcocks, columnist, the Victoria Times-Colonist

"Tieleman, who marries a considerable journalistic talent with one of the smartest political minds in the province, has been writing more web-exclusive material. And his coverage of the Basi-Virk trial is a must-read -- whether you're an insider or an outsider."

"24 Hours, the Vancouver paper that has been leading the coverage, as well as the hints of conspiracy in B.C."

- Norman Spector, columnist, Globe and Mail

"Although the major media in this circumstance has been giving the case significant coverage, Tieleman's reports on his blog have been outstanding.

The entire cut and thrust of legal wrangling and arguments has been covered and is accompanied by considered analysis.....His blog site coverage of the Basi-Virk trial is the most in depth treatment of one of British Columbia's biggest political scandals."

- Bill Bell, columnist, The North Shore News

"Mr. Tieleman has published online dispatches which, freed from the limitations of newsprint space or broadcast time, can run at length. They also remain available for those select readers who become obsessed with a case also known as Railgate.....

In another bizarre twist to a story with no shortage of them, Mr. Tieleman went to work one day in December only to discover his office had been ransacked. Bookcases had been tipped over and papers strewn, but nothing was missing.

To top it off, a press kit for the self-published novel The Raid, written by a retired military officer in Metchosin and featuring on its cover a photograph from the 2003 police raid, had been left in a conspicuous place."

- Tom Hawthorn, columnist, The Globe and Mail

Nobody has followed the Basi-Virk affair over its past five years with greater diligence than local journalist, Bill Tieleman....Tieleman deserves our thanks, a fistful of journalism awards and some merit citation for citizenship.